HomePod or HomePod Mini: which smart speaker is right for you?


Apple is once again offering two connected speakers in its product line. Both have nearly identical software features, but are poles apart when it comes to hardware-level specs, which still plays a major role in sound quality.

Determining which HomePod is the right one for you isn’t as complex as it sounds. But if you are wondering about this question, we will be able to help you. I personally own several HomePod Minis as well as the original HomePod. And I have two second-generation HomePods on my desk right now, to do some testing. They are all fantastic, but each responds to clear demands. Let’s see that.

Technical characteristics

HomePod (2023)

Apple HomePod (2nd generation)

Apple HomePod (2nd generation) – Best prices:

  • Fnac

    349.00

  • LDLC

    349.00

  • Darty

    349.00

Audio: spatial audio with Dolby Atmos | Tweeters: 5 | Woofer: 1x 4 inch | Connectivity: 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, wire, ultra-wideband chip, Matter hub | Height : 168mm | Width : 142mm | Weight : 2.3kg | Colors: midnight, white | Price : 349 €

HomePod Mini

Apple HomePod Mini

Apple HomePod Mini – Best prices:

  • LDLC

    109.00

  • Fnac

    109.99

  • Rakuten

    109.99

Audio: 360° audio | Tweeters: 2 | Woofer: 1x driver | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 5.0, wire, ultra wideband chip | Height : 84.3mm | Width : 97.9mm | Weight : 345g | Colors: white, yellow, orange, blue, space gray | Price : 109 €

You should buy the HomePod if…

Top of an Apple HomePod

Image: Jason Cipriani/ZDNET.

1. Sound quality trumps everything else

There is no possible comparison. The sound quality of the HomePod is the best possible for a connected speaker. And I include those of Amazon and Google.

The HomePod features five tweeters and a single 4-inch woofer that combine to deliver impressive sound quality. The HomePod supports Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio (Apple’s immersive technology). In the first case, everything will be clear and crisp (and you can even hear parts of songs you haven’t heard before), while in the second, the sound will be deeper.

In summary, the sound is simply better.

And you already get that by using a HomePod alone. But in addition, HomePod and HomePod Mini can be associated with a second speaker model of the same type to create a stereo pair.

You can pair two speakers and use them as the default output for an Apple TV, simulating a soundbar-like experience. And if you have an Apple TV 4K, you can use HomePod (and HomePod Mini) as the default eARC (Audio Through HDMI Cable) output for the TV and any other device connected to the TV, like a game console.

2. You have a big space to fill with sound.

The HomePod imposes itself by its dimensions when it is placed next to the HomePod Mini, being approximately twice as high. All that extra space and weight (it weighs 2.3kg, compared to the Mini’s 345g) makes a big impact when it comes to sounding out a room.

I’ve listened to the HomePod Mini and the HomePod 2023 next to each other in several rooms, and it’s almost comical how much better the HomePod is at filling a space with sound and making it seem like the speaker is next to you and not at the other end of the room.

Arguably, the HomePod Mini does the trick as well. But in larger spaces like a living room, kitchen, or dining room, it just doesn’t offer the same level of volume or sound quality as the HomePod. HomePod Mini is designed for a smaller space, like a bedroom, bathroom, or home office.

3. You will bet everything on the Matter protocol

The (large) HomePod has a feature that the HomePod Mini currently lacks: It can act as a Matter hub for compatible connected home devices and accessories, facilitating faster connections and response times for actions like switching on and off the lights.

Matter is a new connected home standard that was launched late last year to enable more devices to be controlled on more platforms. For example, devices that support Matter will be able to be controlled using Apple’s Home app or Google’s Home app, even if the device is designed primarily to work with Apple’s HomeKit system. Apple.

And because HomePod acts as a Matter hub, all of your Matter-enabled accessories will have an easier time communicating with each other within your home network.

Although the HomePod Mini is not really Matter compatible, it does support Thread and acts as a proximity router for compatible devices (Thread). Without going into details, Thread is one of the components of Matter. So it will work with Thread devices, but not with all Matter devices. It is complicated ? Yes I know. It is a bit for me too!

In other words, if you want to future proof your next smart speaker purchase, and by extension your home setup, the HomePod is the choice to make because it supports Matter.

You should buy the HomePod Mini if…

HomePod Mini on desk

Image: Maria Diaz/ZDNET.

1. You want an affordable smart speaker

Smart speakers are handy to have around the house. Not only do they respond to certain instructions and information requests like the weather forecast or the height of Mount Everest, but they also entertain you with music, audio books while you cook or get ready in the morning. And, incidentally, they serve as fantastic hands-free timers.

And those types of usage aren’t worth $350 for a lot of people, and I’m not going to blame you! Especially when there is the HomePod Mini for 110 € next to it. Yes, you can buy three of Apple’s smallest smart speakers for the same price as one big one!

2. Sound quality is important, but not everything

Earlier I mentioned my love for the sound quality of the HomePod. But don’t get me wrong, the HomePod Mini also delivers great sound. It might not be great, but it’s damn good.

I have HomePod Minis placed all over my house and use them to listen to all kinds of different content. In my office, the Mini starts playing music as soon as I turn on the light. In my room, we use a Mini as an audio output for the TV. In these environments, I have no complaints about the Mini’s sound. Would it sound better if I used the bigger and more expensive HomePod? Of course ! But the Mini’s sound quality is by no means an awful experience. On the contrary.

Source: ZDNet.com





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